District 32 announces free summer meal program for Perry County kids
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Perry County School District 32 will provide free breakfast and lunch to children in Perry County during its summer session, which runs May 27 through June 17.
District leaders say programs like this continue to play an important role for many families during the summer months, when children may no longer have regular access to school meals as part of their daily routine.
Food Services Director Debra Baer said the program helps make sure children in the community continue receiving meals while school is out.
“I feel it’s important that we offer our free meals, that we have breakfast and lunch to the children of our county,” Baer said. “It’s could be a financial thing. It could be effective just not having the access to the food. So this is just a blessing that we’re able to to offer this to our kiddos, to put some food in their tummies.”
Baer said taking the role as food service director opened her eyes to how heavily some families rely on school meals throughout the year.
“I opened my eyes whenever I took this job,” Baer said. “There are a lot of children that just don’t have access to it. So having something like this available is very beneficial.”
The meals are available to all children 18 and younger who live in Perry County, regardless of school enrollment or affiliation. Children do not have to be enrolled in summer school or camp to participate. Students attending District 32 summer school and camp programs are automatically enrolled for meals.
Summer session classes are held Monday through Friday through June 17. Meals will be served at the Primary Center and Perryville High School cafeterias.
Breakfast will be available from 7:20 to 8:30 a.m. at both locations. Lunch will be served from 10:50 to 11:30 a.m. at Central Cafe and from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. at the Primary Center.
Parents planning for their children to eat in the cafeterias are asked to contact Food Services Director Debra Baer at 573-547-7500, ext. 1220, or by email at dbaer@pcsd32.com so staff can plan accordingly.
